Last month, Zoe Nails at Ayrsley hosted Teal Toes and Teal Nails, a charity event to raise funds for — and awareness of — ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers because it is rarely detected early (there is no screening test) and because of the lack of definite symptoms during the early stages of the disease. Each year in the U.S. more than 22,000 women are diagnosed with the disease and approximately 17,000 die from it. “This is an overwhelming number; more emphasis has to be placed on research, screening, and getting the word out about such a traumatic disease,” says Wanda Belk, owner of the Charlotte, N.C.-based salon.

“At our event we provided each attendee with swag bags that included personalized teal ribbon pencils, salon coupons, two ovarian cancer symptoms cards, and mini CND lotions,” says Welk. “We would like to thank Hand and Nail Harmony not only for being a sponsor, but for generously donating Morgan Taylor nail polish in Gotta Have Hue (a teal color).” Refreshments were also provided.

National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is September. “Our goal is to engage more salons citywide to participate in Teal Toes and Teal Nails fundraisers,” she says.